AUGUSTA---News 12 has learned that Teleperformance USA will begin a reduction in force starting April 24 at the Augusta location on Wylds Road Extension.

"It's a shame," said Robert Dunlap. "It's a shame."

Robert dropped his relative off to work at Teleperformance and got the unexpected news.

The company says 247 employees will be affected. We understand employees received notification letters Thursday.

"Yes," said Dunlap. "It is rough."

Teleperformance says the reduction is not based on performance, but a need to better align resources.

"Our local economy is still growing," said mayor Deke Copenhaver. "But you hate to hear about people losing their jobs."

The mayor says he has invited the governor to town during Masters week to talk jobs.

"With the medical community, the nuclear community, the military community," noted Copenhaver. "How do we leverage those assets for the state of Georgia to benefit our local economy?"

The call center opened behind the Augusta Mall in 2008. There are ten Teleperformance locations across the country. The headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company says there are no plans to close the Augusta location.

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